Battle Over Belford Ferry Service: Seastreak Set To Take Over Jan. 1

MIDDLETOWN, NJ ? The battle continues between Seastreak and NY Waterway over which company will operate New York City ferry service from the Belford marina:

For years, NY Waterway has operated the ferries from there, ever since the route was launched in 1999.

But their contract expires on Oct. 27. In July of this year, the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners voted to give the contract to Seastreak, a rival that has long operated the ferries out of Atlantic Highlands/Highlands.

The County Board of Commissioners told the Monmouth Journal they chose Seastreak because NY Waterway's proposal for the bid did not include a "consent of surety," a matter related to financing.

At the time, NY Waterway told the Asbury Park Press they were "stunned" by the decision. They said they've operated from Belford for the past 20 years, and were rejected due to a "technicality."

NY Waterway sued Monmouth County, and a Monmouth County Superior Court judge is still deciding on the case, reports the Asbury Park Press with the latest on the matter.

As of Oct. 17, he has not yet issued a final decision.

Seastreak tickets are slightly more expensive than NY Waterway.

Meanwhile, NY Waterway just announced they've been selected as the vendor to run ferry service between New York City and South Amboy ? when and if that ferry terminal opens. Construction on the proposed two-story South Amboy ferry terminal has not started yet.

Construction did start on the parking lot and bulkheads this past May.